7. Problems with Speaking or Writing: The Linguistic Challenge in Mixed Dementia
Another critical symptom to look out for in mixed dementia is difficulty with speech and writing. Individuals may struggle with vocabulary, have trouble following or joining a conversation, and even repeat themselves. They may stop in the middle of a conversation with no idea how to continue, or they may struggle with finding the right word or call things by the wrong name.
The ability to speak and write coherently relies on various brain regions, primarily the frontal and temporal lobes. Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, both components of mixed dementia, can cause damage in these areas.
In Alzheimer’s disease, abnormal protein deposits known as amyloid plaques and tau tangles accumulate and cause neurons’ death, leading to impaired language skills. If these plaques and tangles accumulate in the brain’s language-processing areas, they can cause significant difficulties in speaking and writing.
Meanwhile, in vascular dementia, impaired blood flow due to a stroke or a series of mini-strokes can cause similar issues. If a stroke affects the areas of the brain involved in language processing, it can result in difficulties with speaking and writing. (7)
